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A Rich History
The Beginning of a Tradition
Alfa Beer has been a family heritage since 1870. For generations, we've brewed with passion, pure spring water, and the finest ingredients. Discover our journey through time and how tradition continues to shape our craft today.
Joseph Meens
1870 - 1918
Henri Meens
1923 - 1949
Leo Meens
1950 - 1979
Harry Meens
1980 - 2017
Michelle, Martijn & Charlotte
2018 - heden
1870
Farm and Brewery
Joseph Meens decides to expand his farm by adding a small brewery. He has access to a natural spring and uses homegrown malted barley to brew his beer.
1872
The Minister Says Yes
With approval from none other than the Minister of Finance, Meens quickly obtains the necessary license—along with the obligation to pay excise duties.
1875
Sustainability, Even Back Then
Waste not, want not. The spent grain, known as brewer’s mash, turned out to be perfect as animal feed. Sustainability was already on our agenda 150 years ago!
1880
Cool Beer
Joseph Meens had his own unique methods to perfect the brewing process. In winter, he had his workers saw large blocks of ice to use in his cooling cellar—a practice he called “ijzen”. And in summer, he used fans to keep everything cool.
1890
Dark Beer
What do you do with beer that didn’t ferment properly? Originally, it was sweetened to make it suitable for sale after all. That’s how dark beer came to be. It’s sweet and has a low alcohol content.
1895
Beer as a Job Perk
One of the perks of working at a brewery? You had to drink a beer now and then. At Alfa, it was no different—sometimes with all the “cheerfulness” that came with it. These days, we prefer slightly more moderate employee benefits. The photo shows the old road leading to the brewery.
1900
Switching to Bavarian Beer
Around the turn of the century, the brewery transitions to Bavarian-style beer—bottom-fermented beer. The renowned Reinheitsgebot from Bavaria is followed, meaning the beer may only contain water, malted barley, and hops.
1905
Delivering Beer by Wagon
As a brewer, Meens traveled from pub to pub with his horse and wagon to sell barrels of beer. Of course, that didn’t happen without enjoying a pint or two along the way. The coachman also appreciated a beer now and then—but luckily, the horse always knew the way.
1918
Alfa Survives the Crisis
Between 1914 and 1918, a large number of the 800 Dutch breweries disappeared due to a shortage of essential raw materials. Joseph Meens had his own malting facility, allowing him to malt his own barley. That’s how he managed to survive the crisis.
1923
2nd Generation
Henri Meens (1869–1960), son of Joseph Meens who started a small brewery in 1870, had already taken over the business by the time he passed away in 1923 at the age of eighty.
1927
Mining Brings Prosperity
The arrival of the coal mines in Limburg brought great prosperity to the province. This had a noticeable effect on the drinking habits of the Limburgers. Many breweries thrived—Meens among them.
1930
Small Breweries Disappear
A high number of breweries in the mining region also meant heavy competition. Many small breweries couldn’t keep their heads above water—but Meens held firm once again.
1944
Meens Beer During the War
During World War II, the brewery kept running. The Germans showed interest in the brewing kettles, which they thought could be repurposed for their field kitchens. But the kettles were built into the walls—and far too large to remove. Meens’ trucks drove to the nearby DSM site in Geleen to refuel with gas.
1949
Ice Factory
In preparation for a major renovation and modernization of the business, the Meens family built an ice factory—likely the most modern in the country at the time. From this facility, ice was also supplied to nearby cafés and butcher shops.
1950
3rd Generation
Leo Meens takes over from his father, Henri. In 1969, his brother steps back from the brewery due to health reasons.
1952
New Construction
The work on the new brewhouse is completed. The brewery is now equipped with the latest technologies, allowing Meens to double its production capacity.
1953
Party Time?
Free beer for everyone! The new construction is celebrated in grand style with a party that lasts fourteen days. Tipsy partygoers are found in ditches and along the roadside. Luckily, with little traffic back then, no disasters occurred. Source: Limburgsch Dagblad.
1953
Meens Beer Becomes Alfa
After more than 80 years, the decision is made to change the name from Meens Beer to Alfa. Naturally, the label on the bottle had to be updated as well. This is what the very first Alfa label looked like.
1953
The First Specialty Beer in the Netherlands
This unique 1953 recipe, crafted by the third generation of the Meens family, made Krachtig Dort one of the very first specialty beers in the Netherlands. The recipe has stayed within the family and has been passed down from generation to generation. Now, two generations later, we still preserve its distinctive taste to this day.
1956
New Fermentation Tanks
As a result of ongoing development and growth, the brewery undergoes several changes. In 1956, new fermentation tanks are installed—a major operation for the brewery at the time.
1960
Beyond the (Provincial) Border
Slowly but surely, the rest of the Netherlands begins to discover this barley brew made with pure spring water. Alfa Beer crosses the provincial border.
1967
First Cash & Carry Liquor Store
Leonard Meens can be considered the inventor of the cash & carry liquor store. He sold quality beverages—mainly spirits—below the regular retail price. A blow to Dutch liquor store owners, but a blessing for the average consumer. Source: De Trompetter
1968
Sustainable
For environmental reasons, Leo Meens developed reed and rush fields behind the brewery and, at his own expense, began building one of the very first water purification systems in the Netherlands. In the years that followed, this became a key contribution to making the entire brewing process more sustainable.
1970
100 Years of Alfa
The Netherlands now has only 13 breweries left—and the century-old Alfa Brewery is one of them. Naturally, the milestone is celebrated, though the centenary is marked more modestly than the two-week drinking fest held for the new construction in 1953. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1974
Special Tanks
The brewery receives seventeen new tanks for the maturation and fermentation of the beer. The lagering and fermentation tanks are made of polyester—a unique choice for that time.
1977
Production Capacity Doubled
With the purchase of the Skoll building—soon to be converted into a dispatch area—the brewery can further expand its production capacity. To meet the growing demand for Alfa beer, a second bottling line is installed. As a result, daily production increases from 12,000 to 24,000 bottles. Source: De Limburger
1979
Celebration After Reopening
Another celebration! After a major expansion, the brewery is reopened. The ceremony is delayed by 45 minutes because the three parachutists carrying the essential key came falling from the sky a bit later than planned. Source: De Limburger
1980
4th Generation
Harry Meens takes over from his father, Leo.
1981
Alfa Makes Its Move in the U.S.
By the late 1970s, Alfa had already exported 600,000 bottles to the United States. But now, it’s time to really make an impact. Even the stronger Dortmunder beer is heading to the land of Uncle Sam. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1984
Olympic Beer
Although the poor summer in the Netherlands affects beer sales, 1984 turns out to be a remarkable year for exports. In Los Angeles—the city hosting the 1984 Olympic Games—Alfa beer is at risk of running out early. No problem for the brewery, which has been exporting to the U.S. for some time. Acting swiftly, a container with 28,000 bottles of Alfa beer is promptly shipped to Los Angeles.
Source: De Limburger
1986
Alfa Super Dortmunder on Tap!
Until now, the popular Alfa Super Dortmunder was only available in bottles. That’s about to change—thanks to a request from the Alliance of Beer Tappers.
1987
Now Officially the Best Pilsner!
Fifty seasoned Dutch beer connoisseurs crown Alfa Edel Pils as the best bottled pilsner of the year. With that, the modest brewery surpasses all its major competitors. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1988
Cadmium-Free Crates
Alfa’s strong commitment to sustainability is once again evident in its decision to switch to crates free of cadmium. Although replacing all the old crates is a costly operation—around one million guilders—owner Harry Meens places great importance on using “clean crates.”
“It’s a shame we only found out now,” Meens tells the newspaper, “otherwise we would’ve made the switch to cadmium-free crates fifteen years earlier.” Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1990
New Bottling Machine
With the installation of a new bottling machine, Alfa Brewery expands its capacity once again. The new machine, made in Belgium and costing over 1.2 million guilders, doubles the bottling capacity to 40,000 bottles. Beer sales are growing by about 15% each year, and by 1990, total production reaches around 5 million liters. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1991
Controlled Growth
In Het Financieele Dagblad, director Harry Meens discusses the strategy that makes it clear Alfa Brewery should not grow too rapidly. While Meens admits that saying no is difficult, he previously turned down a lucrative supply contract.
“If we had accepted it, we would’ve had to double our capacity. We didn’t want that. Growth would have come too fast, and the risks would’ve been too great.”
It reflects the importance Meens places on family tradition, craftsmanship, and quality—values that could come under pressure with unchecked expansion. Source: Financieele Dagblad
1991
A Meter Less
As demand for Alfa beer continues to grow, the brewery is forced to purchase 9 new tanks for fermentation and lagering. Three of these tanks—each 4.3 meters in diameter and 16 meters long—are transported to the hamlet of Thull in Schinnen. Each tank holds about 130,000 liters of beer. Economically, the tanks should have been even taller, but that would have had too much impact on the surrounding landscape. Source: De Limburger
1992
Gold!
At the 31st World Selection of Beers in Brussels, Alfa wins two gold medals. Alfa Edel Pils receives a gold medal, while Alfa Super Dortmunder takes home the highest honor: the Grande Médaille d’Or. Source: De Uitkijk
1993
Spring Bock
Why should bock beer only be enjoyed in autumn? Alfa revives an old tradition by introducing its Lentebok—a spring bock beer.
1993
Certified Spring Water
Since 1993, Alfa can officially claim the use of certified spring water. Minister d’Ancona grants official recognition to the brewery’s spring water.
1993
Alfa Donates Ten Thousand
The federation of the Oud Limburgs Schuttersfeest (OLS) receives a cheque worth 10,000 guilders from the Alfa Brewery. With this donation, the brewery from Schinnen aims to initiate scientific research into soil contamination caused by lead bullets used in traditional shooting events. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1995
Royal Warrant Holder
From this year on, Alfa is allowed to display the title Royal Warrant Holder on its label. The title is a mark of recognition for its pilsner, still brewed with pure spring water.
1996
Spring House Unveiling
On Saturday, June 29, Alfa’s new spring house is officially opened in a festive ceremony by Mayor Loeffen. The celebratory weekend concludes on Sunday, June 30, with two walking routes through the Thull area and around the brewery.
1997
Russia Chooses Super Strong
In 1997, Alfa begins exporting to Russia and Estonia. There, Alfa Super Strong—with an alcohol content of nearly 9% and sold in half-liter cans—proves especially popular. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
1997
Distinguished Guest from Poland
Former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa includes a visit to Alfa Brewery in Schinnen during his tour of the Netherlands. He is welcomed at the brewery by Mayor Frans Beckers and two aldermen. “Tastes good,” says Wałęsa’s interpreter about the Alfa Edel Pils, which is also available in Poland. The former Polish president also poses for a photo with Aunt Wies and Martijn Meens, son of owner Harry Meens. Source: Brabants Dagblad
2000
Alfa Goes Caribbean
As of 2000, the people of Curaçao can enjoy Alfa Edel Pils, Dortmunder, and Oud Bruin. “Naturally pure beer from a Limburg spring,” “beer for the true enthusiast,” and “a premium A-1 beer,” writes the Algemeen Dagblad in its article. For those who prefer something stronger, Alfa’s half-liter cans are also making their way to the island. Source: Algemeen Dagblad
2001
Alfa Supports Volumia!
With targeted promotional campaigns in collaboration with the popular pop group Volumia!, Alfa Brewery aims to connect with a younger audience. For example, the brewery gives away 25,000 copies of the specially recorded single Leef for free with the purchase of a crate of Alfa beer. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
2003
Hit In Londen
The United Kingdom has also fallen for Alfa. In the business world of London’s City, the beer from Schinnen has become a true hit. Source: De Telegraaf
2004
Copper Kettle Replaced
In 2004, under the watchful eye of Aunt Wies, the fifty-year-old copper brewing kettle is replaced with a state-of-the-art stainless steel version. The new kettle is essential to meet the growing demand for Alfa Edel Pils. Source: De Telegraaf
2006
Beer Museum
Alfa opens a museum and a film room in two sections of the brewery. Source: Limburgs Dagblad
2006
The Fifth Generation Is on Its Way
With a full-page ad in Limburgs Dagblad, Alfa highlights the authenticity of a true family brewery. For four generations, excellent beer has been brewed with craftsmanship—without making any concessions to the process or quality. With a nod to the future, the image shows children running and playing, symbolizing the arrival of the fifth generation.
2009
Aunt Wies (1913–2009)
Who says beer is bad for you? ‘Aunt Wies’ Meens tasted the first glass of Alfa Edel Pils every morning at 8 a.m. for 65 years. If it didn’t have the true Alfa flavor, it wasn’t allowed to leave the brewery. Aunt Wies lived to the age of 96. Her final wish? Free beer for all of Limburg. It came as no surprise that the brewery was flooded with visitors for weeks.
2011
Family Brewers Join Forces
The unique collaboration between Alfa Brewery, Budels, Lindeboom, and Gulpener leads to the creation of De Smaak van Echt—a special and one-of-a-kind beer brewed just once by the four family-owned breweries. “When it’s gone, it’s gone,” says Harry Meens in Eindhovens Dagblad when asked how long people can enjoy this beer. “No, this isn’t the prelude to a merger. We remain independent, but together we aim to strengthen the image of traditional, craft beer.” Source: Eindhovens Dagblad
2012
Tree-Free
A large oak tree blocks the access road to Alfa Brewery in Schinnen during the transport of new, larger brewing kettles—essential for the brewery’s expansion. In response, Alfa director Harry Meens decides to purchase the house and garden where the oak stands, and has the tree removed. This allows the larger kettles to be delivered after all. With the new equipment, the brewery’s production capacity increases from 1.7 to 2.2 million liters per year. Source: De Telegraaf
2014
Alfa Trail Run
360 runners take part in the first edition of the Alfa Trail Run. The route leads straight through the Limburg forests and hills, with the start and finish located at the Alfa Brewery.
2015
Alfa & China
Although Alfa began exploring the Chinese market as early as 2013, exports to the East truly took off in 2015. About 5% of the brewery’s revenue now comes from exports to China. In Shanghai, Alfa rightfully holds the status of a premium pilsner.
2016
Sustainable Brewing
In 2014, Alfa's brewery was ranked as the second most energy-efficient brewery in Europe. Sustainability is a key priority for Alfa, demonstrated by its commitment to energy and water conservation. "Energy efficiency isn't marketing—it's second nature to us," states owner Harry Meens.
Click here for highlights of sustainability measures implemented over the years.
2017
Landscape Renewal
Together with various partners, including the municipality of Schinnen, the province of Limburg, IBA, the Water Authority, and Natuurmonumenten, Alfa is revitalizing the area surrounding the brewery and the Muldersplas. As a result, Muldersplas will become more visible, and a brasserie will be established on the site of the former restaurant. Additionally, the brewery’s outdoor area will be redesigned.
2018
5th Generation
Michelle and Martijn Meens have joined the brewery and are beginning to master the craft under the guidance of Harry Meens.
2018
Silver with a Golden Edge
Alfa Edel Pils was awarded the silver medal during the fourth edition of the Dutch Beer Challenge. In the Pilsner category, Alfa Edel Pils achieved an outstanding second place, finishing just behind Utrecht’s De Leckere. This result makes Edel Pils the highest-ranked pilsner beer nationally available in supermarkets—a true golden edge, in our opinion! Additionally, Alfa Lentebok secured a bronze medal. Remarkably, Alfa has participated in the Dutch Beer Challenge three times and has won awards on all three occasions.
2018
The Most Beautiful Bottle Ever
A fresh new look, featuring stunning new bottles, an updated corporate identity, and an elegant, modern website. Inspired by our 80-year-old Meens beer bottle, 8 million new bottles will roll off the production line starting March, heading to supermarkets, liquor stores, bars, and events. Our family crest embossed onto the glass, stylish new labels, and an exquisite closure seal complete the premium feel. After all, premium beer deserves a premium bottle! We're equally proud of our new bottles, labels, and website as we are of preserving our four-generation family tradition and our distinctive brewing methods. Modernization and tradition go hand-in-hand perfectly!
2018
New Cans
Following the introduction of the new bottles in March 2018, it was time to update our Alfa Edel Pils cans. We meticulously developed a design that aligns perfectly with our refreshed brand identity—quality linked to craftsmanship and tradition. The new cans feature a stylish silver appearance accented with touches of red and yellow. The logo of our Limburg family brewery is prominently displayed, complemented by a visual representation of the closure seal found on our bottles.
2018
TV Documentary: "The Successors"
Alfa is an independent family brewery! This uniqueness caught the attention of the Dutch broadcaster NPO, leading them to approach us for a documentary focusing on succession at Alfa. An NPO film crew, together with host Sander Schimmelpenninck, spent two days capturing footage and conducting interviews for the documentary titled “De Opvolgers” ("The Successors"). We’re immensely proud of our collaboration with the producers, resulting in an honest and engaging portrait. The episode of “De Opvolgers”, broadcast by WNL on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, can still be viewed on the NPO Start website. Click here if you'd like to watch it now.
2020
Introduction of the 75cl Bottle
This special recipe from 1953, crafted by the third generation of the Meens family, made Krachtig Dort one of the first specialty beers in the Netherlands. The family recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. Now, two generations later, we continue to preserve its unique taste.
2020
Opening Proeflokaal Anno ‘1870’
On Friday, August 7, 2020, Alfa Brewery in Schinnen officially celebrated the reopening of its renovated tasting room, styled entirely after the year 1870. During a sun-drenched afternoon, invited press and guests experienced the relaunched “Meens Bier Tasting Room”, where, naturally, beer flowed abundantly. This beer has been brewed for over 150 years by the independent family brewery located in the hamlet of Thull. Click here to quickly book your brewery visit!
2020
Meens Magazine
“Because we love sharing our story—not to show the world how good we are, but to share our pride. Our passion. From beer lovers, for beer lovers. Because beer unites.”
2020
Best Pilsner in the World
At the London Beer Competition, Alfa Edel Pils and Alfa Krachtig Dort have won awards for the second consecutive year. Alfa Edel Pils achieved the highest score in the International Lager category, earning the prestigious title of “Best Pilsner in the World.”
2021
Expansion of Tasting Room: Bie De Bron
Discover, Enjoy, and Experience
"Bie De Bron" is the new extension of Alfa Brewery's tasting room. It also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, parties, events, private dining, meeting facilities, group arrangements, tap tables, and much more! Click here for more information.
On the first floor, you'll find the renovated and expanded Alfa Beer merchandise shop, offering merchandise, gifts, beers for home, and the opportunity to book brewery tours on-site.
2021
Alfa Brewery Retains Royal Warrant "Hofleverancier"
On Friday, June 4, 2021, Mayor Eric Geurts presented Alfa Brewery with the Royal Warrant (Hofleverancier) on behalf of His Majesty the King. This distinction grants the family-owned brewery the right to display the royal coat of arms and the title “By Royal Appointment Hofleverancier” for another twenty-five years. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony was held privately. Harry Meens accepted the honor alongside Michelle and Martijn Meens, who have recently taken charge as the brewery’s fifth generation.
2021
"Best Pilsner in the World" Confirmed!
Alfa Edel Pils has won yet another award. Besides being named Country Winner at the internationally renowned World Beer Awards, Alfa Edel Pils has now also been crowned the “Best Pilsner in the World” in the Classic Pilsener category of the same competition. The entire team at Alfa Brewery is extremely proud of this outstanding achievement.
2022
Alfa Edel Pils Remains "Best Pilsner in the World"
In 2022, our Alfa Edel Pils has continued to win multiple awards. We secured gold at both the London Beer Challenge and the Brussels Beer Challenge, and once again our Alfa Edel Pils earned the prestigious title of "Best Pilsner in the World" by winning gold at the World Beer Awards. Needless to say, we’re incredibly proud of this accomplishment.
2022
Alfa Krachtig Dort Wins Multiple Awards
Alfa Krachtig Dort has not only achieved "Best in Show by Country" but also earned a gold medal at the London Beer Awards. Additionally, Krachtig Dort received further recognition at the World Beer Awards, securing gold as the best entry from the Netherlands, as well as the prestigious titles of "Style Winner World's Best" and "Netherlands Winner". Naturally, we’re incredibly proud of these achievements.
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As an independent family brewery, we love sharing what we’re working on: from new beers and seasonal specials to brewery developments and invitations to events at the Alfa Brewery Café.
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